We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Appling County football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Pirates this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 9-3
- Points Scored: 426
- Points Allowed: 159
Key Losses
Appling County will lose some solid talent heading into the 2024 season, especially on defense.
The defensive line is one area in particular that head coach Jordan Mullis and his defensive staff will need to focus on after losing three starters there.
Defensive linemen Darion Smith and Mykel Reed will both continue their football careers at Georgia Military College. Reed also started on the offensive line, so his loss will be felt on that side of the ball too.
Jailan Bennett will also leave a void as the defensive lineman graduates and takes his talents to Western Carolina.
Speedy wide receiver and defensive back Camden Hickox is headed to Yale University, while his teammate and fellow WR/DB Nehemiah Howard graduates.
Who’s Back
The Pirates have some solid skill position players and a couple of big bodies who’ll play on both the offensive and defensive lines returning in 2024.
Senior wide receiver Kellon Echols is back to give returning quarterback Dayson Griffis a familiar target on offense. The senior signal-caller will also handle punting chores for the team again this season.
Returning to help the team in several areas once again will be athlete Mykel Crayton. The junior will be counted on as a receiver and on special teams.
Junior Edwin Burt and senior Jeremiah Ryals are each back to play on both the offensive and defensive lines.
What to Expect
Appling County will roll into the 2024 season with their quarterback and key receivers returning, and Mullis thinks that will give his team a bit of an edge this year.
“I think we have a pretty strong group of quarterbacks and wide receivers for a 2A school,” Mullis said.
Mullis said an area of concern may be maintaining consistency and overall team experience.
If the Pirates survive what looks to be one of the state’s hardest schedules, it could all prove to make Appling County that much tougher once the postseason begins.
Prediction
9-4 overall record
Game to Watch
Sept. 6 at Swainsboro will give Appling County an early test.
